4/27/13

During the
Boston marathon, on April 15, 2013, two bombs exploded at 2:49 p.m. EDT,
killing 3 people and injuring 282. The bombs exploded about 13 seconds and 210
yards apart near the finish line.

The Great
Parade will dedicate a special moment of silence during the parade to pay
tribute & in memory of those that have fallen.

Participating
in the parade will be a group called, "Fuelled by the Fallen'. They are a
non-profit org. to assist & support the families of those whose members
have fallen in the line of duty. Their collection of unique race cars travel
all over America to promote the memories of our fallen heroes in a way that is
attracting to young and old alike.

We are honored by their participation and look forward to sharing
the special day of Lag B'Omer with them.

Cut-E! We seemed to have missed this one in our inbox but it's never too late! Binyomin Wolowik's homemade clown hat & red nose is putting a big smile on my face! I am certain that hesmiles even when he isn't wearing that mask... So why are you hiding?

Opportunities for the greater Jewish community of Southern California to gather together to express unity and care for each other don't come by often.

But when they do - boy is it in style!

With two days left to LA's Greatest Parade yet, the city is in full swing. 'No Parking Signs on Sunday' signs are posted along Pico Blvd. and Pico's replica of 770 is draped with the 12 Pesukim & the classical Lag B'Omer flame.

Schools have all prepared beautiful marching signs and as we speak amazing colorful floats are being assembled on their flatbed trucks.

The "Great Parade" grand procession is rumored to be something extraordinary; marching bands, bag pipe & steel drum bands, emergency response vehicles, and 3 surprise features that we are sworn to secrecy and are not allowed to share yet.

Schools, Chabad Houses & Shuls from all over SoCal are coming together in an unprecedented expression of true Jewish "Community" - truly an event that is anticipated to bring fond and exciting memories.

But what makes an event such as this so memorable and 'classic' is the program and it's voices.

Culling all of the great efforts, excitement and preparations for the parade is a daunting one - one that these two giants are no strangers to.

With their combined experience in Youth programs spanning over 5 decades, Rabbis Greene & Mentz will join forces and artistically paint an event that Los Angeles - No that no Lag B'Omer Parade - has never seen before.

In Los Angeles, it is known, if you want someone on board to direct & quarterback a successful (youth) event - you call Rabbi Mayer Greene. From the imitative brainstorming session, to the organization and management of each aspect, all right down to the finest details, Rabbi Greene infuses his staff with a sense of enthused responsibility and practical & effective celebration. Rabbi Greene's down-to-Earth, pragmatic approach . A master planner and effective communicator, Rabbi Greene is responsible for the success of highly acclaimed events such as "Chanukah @ CityWalk" & Largest Camp Gan Israel Day Camp in the United States of America. Rabbi Greene has been key to the planning many of the past Lag B'Omer events in L.A. for more than a decade. As MC of the program, Rabbi Greene ensures that the program flows seamlessly, with there's never a dull moment.

Rabbi Mentz, currently the director of Chabad of Bel Air, began organizing and directing children contests and program while still a Rabbinical student in his hometown of New York. He was privileged to receive numerous directives from the Lubavitcher Rebbe in this regards. Many of the projects and ideas incorporated in the children's organization Tzivos Hashem were taken from many of Rabbi Mentz's initiatives; at a time before Tzivos Hashem was ever established.

Rabbi Mentz moved to LA to direct Tzivos Hashem & youth programs. His efforts were met with great success as he acquired the title "General Chaim". Many people fondly remember these times and share their values and lessons with their children (and grandchildren too!)

The countdown is on, and the parade is all set to go. All that is missing now - is you!

For some reason, we always think of how a clown is dressed when we see him outdoors; when at work. Never did it dawn on us to think what a clown could look like when he is off work or on vacation... Until now!
Levi Yiftach - we gotta give it to ya - this is quite original! Hope you win!

Never thought that clowns needed glasses! But for 8 year old Zalmy Greenbaum of Cheder Menachem's 3rd grade, he shows us that he all ready for this year's Great Parade, with the round 'shlapa', 'tie-bow' and those ever-trendy Tzitzis!

And here comes Shneur Cohen! Decked out in his best clown outfit around town! But the competition is tough and only 10 clowns are gonna make it. Will Shalom be one of them? And if he does, will you be joining him?

By far, Moshe Wagner is the youngest contestant that we have ever had in this contest. Currently attending Cheder Menachem's Pre-1A, Moshe is showing why 'younger is funn(i)er'. With entries already in the double digits, and still 48 hours left to the contest, this is going to be a very intense competition, that will be no doubt go down to the wire!